The Verdura Family Fund
Donation protected
The Verdura Family -- long-time Brick Township, NJ residents – have always been there for their family and friends. It is now, more than ever, that they need our support.
In early 2014, 44-year-old Tracy Verdura – a devoted wife to Tony and a loving mother to 9-year-old Madison -- was diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma (cancer in her jaw) after months of dealing with what she and her dentist thought was a tooth infection. She underwent a 12-hour surgery to remove part of her jaw and then reconstruct it, followed by radiation and chemotherapy.
Soon after her original diagnosis and surgery, Tracy suddenly lost her biggest supporter and best friend – her mom, Donna. Just months later, Tony lost his dad Jorge and then his sister Joanne a short time later. As if those three losses weren’t more than enough for one family to handle – after being cancer-free for six months, Tracy found that another tumor was growing in her mouth.
In April 2015, she underwent another 15-hour surgery in which the doctors removed the tumor and another section of her jaw bone, and also reconstructed the hinge in her mouth. Tracy’s battle continues as she deals with daily hyperbaric chamber treatments and regular trips to her doctor appointments in Philadelphia. She is still experiencing unforgiving side-effects and pain from the multiple surgeries and radiation treatments.
In late June 2015, Tracy received the devastating news that her cancer has returned. This time, it is a much more aggressive form and her doctors have told her that it is inoperable. Radiation is not an option. Chemotherapy treatments are her best hope at this point to prolong her life and give her the time she most desperately wants to share with her family and friends. Despite all of this, Tracy remains a fighter.
Tracy’s battle and her treatments have left her unable to return to work. Her husband Tony is also unable to work due to a back injury and is on permanent disability. While the bills are piling up, they are trying to maintain their home and a sense of normalcy for their daughter Madison. While insurance does cover a portion of their bills, they are struggling to afford things that are not covered – such as gas/tolls to get to the appointments, doctor co-pays, grocery bills, utilities for their home, and nutritional protein shakes for Tracy since she is unable to chew and has difficulty with swallowing. They are also doing whatever they can to continue to pay the tuition for Madison’s dance lessons – which have been an escape for this little girl who is watching her mother’s struggle. She loves to dance more than anything and her parents want nothing more for her to continue to experience joy and happiness during these trying times.
Many have asked what they can do for this amazing family during this unimaginable time. We felt that setting up this Go Fund Me account would give everyone the ability to contribute in some way whether big or small. Every dollar helps and all proceeds raised will go DIRECTLY to the Verdura Family. Thank you for all your love and support.
In early 2014, 44-year-old Tracy Verdura – a devoted wife to Tony and a loving mother to 9-year-old Madison -- was diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma (cancer in her jaw) after months of dealing with what she and her dentist thought was a tooth infection. She underwent a 12-hour surgery to remove part of her jaw and then reconstruct it, followed by radiation and chemotherapy.
Soon after her original diagnosis and surgery, Tracy suddenly lost her biggest supporter and best friend – her mom, Donna. Just months later, Tony lost his dad Jorge and then his sister Joanne a short time later. As if those three losses weren’t more than enough for one family to handle – after being cancer-free for six months, Tracy found that another tumor was growing in her mouth.
In April 2015, she underwent another 15-hour surgery in which the doctors removed the tumor and another section of her jaw bone, and also reconstructed the hinge in her mouth. Tracy’s battle continues as she deals with daily hyperbaric chamber treatments and regular trips to her doctor appointments in Philadelphia. She is still experiencing unforgiving side-effects and pain from the multiple surgeries and radiation treatments.
In late June 2015, Tracy received the devastating news that her cancer has returned. This time, it is a much more aggressive form and her doctors have told her that it is inoperable. Radiation is not an option. Chemotherapy treatments are her best hope at this point to prolong her life and give her the time she most desperately wants to share with her family and friends. Despite all of this, Tracy remains a fighter.
Tracy’s battle and her treatments have left her unable to return to work. Her husband Tony is also unable to work due to a back injury and is on permanent disability. While the bills are piling up, they are trying to maintain their home and a sense of normalcy for their daughter Madison. While insurance does cover a portion of their bills, they are struggling to afford things that are not covered – such as gas/tolls to get to the appointments, doctor co-pays, grocery bills, utilities for their home, and nutritional protein shakes for Tracy since she is unable to chew and has difficulty with swallowing. They are also doing whatever they can to continue to pay the tuition for Madison’s dance lessons – which have been an escape for this little girl who is watching her mother’s struggle. She loves to dance more than anything and her parents want nothing more for her to continue to experience joy and happiness during these trying times.
Many have asked what they can do for this amazing family during this unimaginable time. We felt that setting up this Go Fund Me account would give everyone the ability to contribute in some way whether big or small. Every dollar helps and all proceeds raised will go DIRECTLY to the Verdura Family. Thank you for all your love and support.
Organiser and beneficiary
Tricia Mastrojohn
Organiser
Brick, NJ
Anthony Verdura
Beneficiary